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BART and transit partners host small business vendor fair

BART is teaming up with other Northern California transit agencies to host a one-stop-shop for small business owners wanting to learn more about doing business with BART and other local transit agencies. 

Small business owners are often shut out of opportunities because of the lack of resources available to them when navigating the complex contract bidding processes.  BART’s Office of Civil Rights has initiated new programs to help give small business a boost. 

BART awards contracts for many types of services and procure a large variety of items to keep the system safe and in good working order.   Small business owners can learn more about these opportunities by attending a transit vendor fair on Wednesday, September 17, from 9 am to 12 noon and from 1  to 4 pm, at BART Headquarters located at 300 Lakeside Dr. (2nd Floor Concourse/Auditorium) in Oakland. For additional event details click here. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to register their business to be part of BART’s Vendor Profile List and learn about upcoming projects and procurement needs.   

Attendees can meet one-on-one with experts to learn more about BART’s Small Business Enterprise Program and our Disadvantage Business Program.  Information about Small Business registration through the State’s Department of General Services will be available as well as details about the Small Business Bonding Assistance Program which was implemented earlier this year, and a review of Title 6, Non-Discrimination. 

“BART awards multiple million- dollar contracts every year,” said BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost.  “Unbundling large contracts have allowed small businesses to play a more proactive and dynamic role; it’s just one way we help recirculate money back into the community.”   

Other participating transit agencies include: 

  • Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) 
  • AC Transit 
  • Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) 
  • Caltrans 
  • Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) 
  • San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) 
  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)